Amid L.A. riots, Mexican president also hails migrants as “heroes.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is speaking out forcefully against a proposed U.S. remittance tax that she says could deal a serious blow to millions of Mexican families. In a recent address, Sheinbaum warned that Mexico would “mobilize” diplomatically — and potentially beyond — if Washington proceeds with the measure.
The policy in question, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last month as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, would impose a 3.5% excise tax on remittances sent by noncitizens. The goal, according to supporters, is to discourage illegal immigration and recover public costs associated with it.
A Key Economic Lifeline at Risk
Remittances are a cornerstone of Mexico’s economy. In 2024 alone, they totaled approximately $64.7 billion, accounting for nearly 4% of the country’s GDP. Many Mexican households rely on these funds for basic needs, education, and health care.
Sheinbaum characterized the proposal as double taxation, pointing out that many remittance senders already pay U.S. taxes. She also said the tax could violate the 1992 U.S.-Mexico tax treaty, which was designed to prevent exactly this kind of financial overlap.
Mexico Deploys Lobbying Effort
In response, Sheinbaum’s government is taking an aggressive stance:
- Mexican lawmakers have been sent to Washington, D.C. to lobby against the tax.
- Sheinbaum is urging Mexican nationals in the U.S. to raise their voices via letters, petitions, and social media.
- She warned of broader mobilizations if the tax becomes law, hinting at protests and other forms of pressure.
More recently, Sheinbaum addressed the mass protests and violent clashes in Los Angeles, following the arrest of suspected illegal immigrants in raids carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. (RELATED: Border Czar Issues Stark Warning As ICE Protests Turn Dangerous)
As the Daily Mail reported, she referred to migrants living in the United States as “heroes” while criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration policies:
‘We disagree with this approach to the migration phenomenon,’ Sheinbaum said during a press conference Sunday afternoon in San Andrés Cholula, Puebla.
‘It’s not about raids or violence, but rather working on a comprehensive reform that takes into account the Mexicans on the other side of the border,’ she added. ‘That is our position, always a call for peace, to not exacerbate any form of violent protest.’
Mexicans living in the United States are good, honest men and women who left to seek a better life for themselves and to support their families,’ she said at her press conference.
‘They are not criminals.’
U.S. Conservatives Push for Higher Rate
Some GOP lawmakers argue the 3.5% rate doesn’t go far enough. A few are calling for hikes up to 15%, framing the measure as part of a national security strategy to crack down on undocumented migration and money outflows.
However, critics on both sides of the border warn the move could backfire. A higher tax might drive remittance activity underground, fueling black-market transfers, and undercutting banks and formal financial systems.
Rising Tensions Amid Broader Security Concerns
Sheinbaum’s assertive posture marks a break from Mexico’s traditionally non-interventionist Estrada Doctrine. With U.S. National Guard deployments and ongoing protests in cities like Los Angeles, her remarks could further strain relations between the two neighbors during a politically volatile moment. (RELATED: State Threatens Legal Action Against Trump For Defending America)
READ NEXT: Why Elon’s Fantasy Would Be A Gift To Democrats
Perhaps she should make an attempt to fix the problems in her country before worrying about what is wrong with ours. There are a multitude of reasons her folks are opting to head north even though she is claiming we are really bad. Never mind that if we were really that bad there would be no reason to come here. Hmm, maybe all of the current violence in ell a is all about destabilizing us, not that kaly needs more damage.
It sounds like it’s time for Mexicans living and working here to go home. They earn money here, and it gets sent to Mexico. It’s no use to taxpayers here, nor to businesses. If the Mexican president wants these people to start rioting, they could be on their way home quickly.
On the contrary, if they’re here ILLEGALLY, they ARE CRIMINALS !
Maybe a “Berlin Wall” type crossing might be in order ?
WHY does the Media not call them criminals when that’s what they are ? They BROKE THE LAW TO GET HERE !
Ship each & every one we find back home.
Re-invent Ike’s 1950’s policy, “Operation Wetback” !
If they don’t want to assimilate LEGALLY, we don’t want or need them here.
Sheinbaum says, “many” remittance senders already pay U.S. taxes. Yeah right. I’m guessing that the vast majority of senders pay no U.S. taxes at all.
See LA CA Now Today
I have always wondered why we did not do this, i.e. tax payments sent to Mexico. Seems like a reasonable solution to discourage illegal immigration.
Block and confiscate all Mexican remittances sent by noncitizens. Then deport them!
Tell you what lady, stop the flow of drugs and people that are coming through you country, and we’ll discuss it!
Trump needs to recognize that Sheinbaum and Mexico are enemies of the USA.
Here are a couple of clues for her since she apparently doesn’t have any: 1) FIX the problems in your own country and ‘maybe’ your people won’t feel like they have to leave; 2) ‘honest’ people don’t break laws when there are procedures in place to allow LEGAL entry; 3) encouraging people who may or may not be in another country legally to engage in violent and destructive ‘protests’ is tantamount to a de facto declaration of war. She would NOT like the consequences if that country retaliates.